Now, I’m pacing my private tent as the countdown begins. We ride out in less than an hour to cross the veil into the Outlands, heading straight for the Deadlands where the cave systems are.
When Fenris took me out to see the veil this morning, I was in complete awe. At first, I couldn’t see the veil at all. It wasn’t until he pointed it out that it came into focus. It’s just a shimmer in the air, like the wavering heat off sunbaked stone, barely noticeable against the eerie stillness before me. But as my eyes adjust, the magic reveals itself. A shimmering, white barrier stretches endlessly before me, pulsing faintly, its woven threads of power both beautiful and menacing. It isn’t just a wall—it isa prison. And beyond it, trapped within this forsaken land, are those who have been banished, sealed away from the world they once knew.
To the west the Mistyglades stretch into the distance, its rolling fog dancing over the long golden grass, before giving way to the skeletal remains of a forest. The trees in the Outlands have been stripped of vibrance, their colors muted to lifeless grays and browns, their gnarled branches twisting like grasping fingers toward a sky choked with heavy clouds.
The Outlands look exactly as I expected—dead.
At the sound of approaching footsteps, I look up just as Zaria enters the tent, the flap swinging behind her.
“Kian told me you were in here. Are you ready?”
I stand and approach the large, heavy wooden chest Fenris had delivered, its dark wood gleaming under the dim light. My fingers tremble as I unlatch and open the lid. Inside is the armor George made me.
“Will you help me put it on?” I request over my shoulder.
“Of course.”
Together, we carefully fit the armor over my fighting gear. The metal plates gleam faintly in the flickering torchlight. Zaria’s hands move deftly, strapping everything in place. She tugs at the final buckle, ensuring it’s secure, and steps back to inspect her work.
“All that’s left is your sword,” she notes, her voice softer than usual.
My hand closes around the weapon, its energy vibrating under my palm.
“Raiden isn’t happy you’re going in alone.”
I sigh, meeting her worried gaze. “I won’t be alone. Kaden will be with me.”
Her brow furrows, the crease between her eyebrows deepening. “Exactly. Raiden doesn’t know him, and you are our queen.”
“Taking more people could draw attention. This mission requires stealth.”
Zaria steps closer, her hands landing gently on my shoulders. She gives me a small, bittersweet smile, the kind that speaks of reluctant acceptance.
“We know,” she whispers softly. “We just don’t like it.”
I place my hand over hers, squeezing lightly. “I’ll be careful.”
Her smile doesn’t falter, but I see the worry lingering in her eyes.
The tent flap opens and Alivar steps inside. His eyes roam the armor, and he lets out a low whistle. “You look amazing.”
“She looks like a warrior,” Zaria agrees.
“A queen ready for war,” he adds with a wink.
“That’s exactly what I am, Alivar.” I heave a sigh.
He steps aside, pulling the tent flap open for me. “My army is ready and waiting.”
A storm of emotions swirls inside me—relief, fear, something close to disbelief—but above it all, gratitude rises like a tide. Alivar owes me nothing, yet he’s given more than I ever dared ask for. That kind of kindness and loyalty doesn’t just sit quietly in your chest. It stays, settles deep, and humbles you.
I let out a deep breath and nod. “Okay, then. Let’s go.”
It’s time to rescue my mate.
Zaria leads the way, stepping outside first. I move to follow, but Alivar’s hand lands on my arm, stalling me. When I glance up into those sharp amethyst eyes, my heart stalls. Flickers of blueflash in their depths, the silver ring around them sparking with life as he steps closer.
“I want you to be safe. If shit goes down, you need to retreat. We can try again.”
